Chapter 2

Chapter 2:

Planning Your Wireless

Network

Network Topology

A wireless network is a group of computers, each equipped with one or more wireless adapters. Computers in a wireless network must be configured to share the same radio channel to talk to each other. Several PCs equipped with wireless cards or adapters can communicate with each other to form an ad-hoc network without the use of an access point.

Linksys wireless adapters also provide access to a wired network when using an access point or wireless router. An integrated wireless and wired network is called an infrastructurenetwork.EachwirelessPCinaninfrastructure network can talk to any computer in a wired or wireless network via the access point or wireless router.

An infrastructure configuration extends the accessibility of a wireless PC to a wired network, and may double the effective wireless transmission range for two wireless adapter PCs. Since an access point is able to forward data within a network, the effective transmission range in an infrastructure network may be doubled (depending on antenna characteristics).

Network Layout

The Wireless-G Business Ethernet Bridge can be used in either Infrastructure mode or Ad-Hoc mode. In Infrastructure mode, the WET200 can be used to bridge a separate Ethernet segment wirelessly to the company network backbone. In Ad-Hoc mode, the WET200 communicates directly with other wireless devices, much like a wireless client card. The WET200 has been designed for use with 802.11g and 802.11b products, such as the WAP200 Wireless-G Access Point, in addition to various wireless adapters for notebook and desktop PC.

Go to the Linksys website at www.linksys.com for more information about wireless products.

Planning Your Wireless Network

Example of WET200 in Infrastructure Mode

Example of WET200 in Infrastructure Mode

The above diagram shows a typical infrastructure wireless network setup where the WET200 is being used to manage multiple VLANs, with one VLAN connected wirelessly to the company network and Internet. In this example, the WET200 is connected to a wireless Access Point, which is in turn connected to the network backbone.

Wireless-G Business Ethernet Bridge

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Linksys WET200 manual Chapter Planning Your Wireless Network, Network Topology, Network Layout
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WET200 specifications

The Linksys WET200 Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge is designed for businesses looking to extend their network capabilities without the hassle of running Ethernet cables throughout their premises. This high-performance device effectively connects wired devices to a wireless network, providing businesses with efficient access to internet resources and network shares.

One of the standout features of the WET200 is its dual-functionality. It operates as both an Ethernet bridge and a wireless access point, allowing users to connect multiple wired devices, such as printers, servers, or computers, to a wireless network. This flexibility makes it an excellent choice for environments where network mobility is crucial, such as offices, retail establishments, and warehouses.

Another key characteristic of the Linksys WET200 is its support for Wireless-G technology, offering a maximum wireless speed of up to 54 Mbps. This ensures that data transfer between connected devices is quick and reliable while providing adequate bandwidth for various applications, including file sharing and streaming. The device also adheres to the IEEE 802.11b/g standard, which means it is compatible with a vast number of other wireless devices.

The WET200 features a simple setup process, aided by its web-based configuration interface. This user-friendly interface allows for easy management of networking settings, making it accessible for both novice and experienced users. Security is a significant consideration, and the WET200 includes robust encryption protocols such as WEP, WPA, and WPA2 to protect data transmission over the wireless network.

Moreover, the Ethernet Bridge is equipped with two 10/100 Ethernet ports, enabling connections to multiple wired devices simultaneously. Its compact design allows for easy placement in various locations, and the inclusion of LEDs provides users with real-time feedback on connectivity status.

Overall, the Linksys WET200 Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge stands out with its combination of performance, flexibility, and ease of use, making it an invaluable asset for businesses aiming to expand their wired network capabilities without compromising on performance or security. It's a smart solution for those who need to harness the power of wireless connectivity while ensuring that their critical wired devices remain connected to the network efficiently.
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